7:00am Wednesday 1st October 2008
By Emily Parsons
Colchester estates will be targeted one by one in an attempt to clean up the streets and make the area a safer place to live.
A “day of action” on High Woods estate yesterday saw more than 70 people cracking down on issues including parking, litter and crime.
Police executed dozens of arrest warrants.
Street cleaners picked up litter, removed fly-tipped rubbish and scrubbed away graffiti.
Parking enforcement officers clamped illegally-parked vehicles, while police and fire service officers offered door-to-door safety advice.
Organised by Colchester Council, officers were supported by members of Essex Police, Essex County Council, Essex County Fire and Rescue, Colchester Borough Homes, the DVLA and the Environment Agency.
At the same time, the police announced that groups hanging around High Woods can be ordered to move on from today.
From 12.01am today, police have the power to move on groups of two or more people in a public place.
This can be done if officers feel the group’s presence or behaviour has led – or could lead – to members of the public being intimidated, harassed, alarmed or distressed.
:: More in today's Gazette
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.gazette-news.co.uk